Multi-functional exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to fitness and exercise mechanisms, specifically manually propelled multi-functional exercise apparatus with versatility to allow a multitude of upper body, lower body and mid-body functional exercises on a single piece of equipment.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to fitness and exercisemechanisms, specifically manually propelled multi-functional exerciseapparatus with versatility to allow a multitude of upper body, lowerbody and mid-body functional exercises on a single piece of equipment.

2. Related Art

There are of course endless types and forms of exercise equipmentavailable for muscle training and building. These include the largeruniversal type equipment commonly found in commercial gyms as well asnumerous home equipment products designed to provide comprehensiveworkouts or workouts tailored to a specific muscle group or body partsuch as the abdominal muscles. A common problem for very seriousathletes looking to really take their workouts to the next level is thatthe well known conventional workout equipment is not sufficient toprovide the level of workout desired.

As a result, many serious athletes resort to extreme workouts usingnon-standard exercises and equipment intended to provide a higher levelof workout and training. The term non-standard is intended to refer toexercises and equipment that one would not normally find in a gym. Someof these exercises can be dangerous however. For example, some athleteswill throw a sledge hammer against a large tire in order to workouttheir core. But this can actually lead to serious injury.

Often, non-standard exercises or equipment are used to increase corestrength, which is important for a variety of athletic moves in a widevariety of sports.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for obtaining a full body workout with a singlemulti-functional exercise mechanism are provided herein. In one aspect,the multi-functional exercise mechanism comprises (a) a lateral supportstructure and (b) a sliding mechanism.

In one aspect, the lateral support structure is a rail that is directlyor indirectly connected to the floor or ceiling.

In another aspect, the rail is built directly into the floor or ceiling.

In still another aspect, the sliding mechanism is on the inside of therail.

In still another aspect, a multi-functional exercise mechanism comprises(a) a lateral support structure; (b) a sliding mechanism comprising amovement mechanism configured to allow the sliding mechanism to movealong the lateral support structure; (c) a resistance adjustingmechanism configured to adjust the resistance with which the slidingmechanism can move along the rail; and (d) and a connecting pointconfigured to receive any of a plurality of accessories that are used tocause the sliding mechanism to move along the lateral support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limited in thefigures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicatelike elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise mechanism in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an exercise mechanism in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exercise mechanism in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an exercise mechanism in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exercise mechanism in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an exercise mechanism in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7H provide several specific non-limiting examples ofattachments useful in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7A is a T-bone/T-top attachment that can be used for variousexercises, including but not limited to push, pull, curl and extensionmovements. This attachment can be directly attached to a connectingpoint indirectly attached to a connecting point through a broomstickattachment.

FIG. 7B is a rope that connects to a connecting point and allows fordifferent full-body exercise actions, angles and motions.

FIG. 7C is a sickle grip that can clamp onto a broomstick attachment toprovide different angle and motion exercises.

FIG. 7D is a broomstick attachment that threads into a sliding mechanismto allow a mopping motion. In some embodiments, the broomstick has athread port or clamp on top to allow additional attachments to beconnected.

FIG. 7E is a paddle handle that can be directly attached to a connectingpoint or indirectly attach to a connecting point by connecting to thetop of a broomstick.

FIG. 7F is a ball joint that can directly attach to a connecting pointand allows for a wide range of motion for anything that is then attachedto it.

FIG. 7G is a single handle that can be directly attached to a connectingpoint and allows for one handed exercises.

FIG. 7H is an example of foot pedals that can be directly attached to aconnecting point. In a variety of embodiments, the foot pedals providethe opportunity for a variety of leg and core exercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding. However, in certain instances, wellknown or conventional details are not described in order to avoidobscuring the description. To one of skill in the art it will beapparent that the embodiments may be practiced without some of thesespecific details. Moreover, skilled artisans should understand thatnumerous variations, changes, and substitutions can be made withoutdeparting from the inventions described herein.

References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure are notnecessarily references to the same embodiment, and such references meanat least one. It should be appreciated that the features described withrespect to one embodiment of the invention may be incorporated withanother embodiment as well. However, no single feature or features ofany described embodiment should be considered essential to theinvention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features.

The use of headings herein is merely provided for ease of reference andshall not be interpreted in any way to limit this disclosure or thefollowing claims.

EXEMPLARY DEFINITIONS

As used here, the term “lateral support structure” means any device thatprovides support for the apparatus described herein. Included withinthis definition are rails, cylinders, crossbeams, contact pedals and/orstability pedals, including but not limited to foot pedals, and anycombination thereof. Non-limiting specific examples of lateral supportstructures useful in the invention described herein are 100, 101, 206,301, 406, 407, 501, 502, 605 and 606. The lateral support structuresuseful in the invention described herein may be made of any suitablematerial or combination of materials, including wood and one or moremedals.

As used herein, the term “sliding mechanism” refers to any device thathas the ability to move along the lateral support structure.Non-limiting specific examples of sliding mechanisms useful in thepresent invention are 103, 203, 303, 404, 506 and 604. In someembodiments, the sliding mechanism moves inside the lateral supportstructure. In other embodiments, the sliding mechanism moves around oron top of the lateral support.

As used herein, the term “breaking system” refers to a device thatallows the sliding mechanism to move, stop and/or maintain a singleposition along the lateral support structure. Non-limiting specificexamples of breaking systems useful in the present invention are 204 and405.

A “resistance adjustment mechanism” is any device that has the abilityto increase and/or decrease the resistance in the sliding mechanism.Non-limiting specific examples of resistance adjustment mechanisms are104, 201, 305, 401, 505 and 602. Resistance adjustment mechanisms alsoinclude wheels/break systems that are incorporated into the exercisemechanism. In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism is computerprogrammed so that the resistance increases and/or decreases accordingto the user's desired results. For example, the resistance can beprogrammed to increase or decrease according to a user's rehabilitationneeds or it can be programmed to increase at when the user needs tobuild strength or decrease when the user wants to tone a particularmuscle or muscle group.

As used herein, the “connecting point” is the location on the apparatuswhere one or more attachments can be connected. Non-limiting specificexamples of connecting points are 102, 202. 303, 402, 504 and 601. Insome embodiments, the attachments are screwed into the apparatus. Inother embodiments, the attachments are locked into the apparatus.

Attachments useful in the embodiments described herein include devicesthat are capable of twisting, pushing, pulling, flexing, and/orextending. Non limiting examples of attachments that can be connected toa connecting point include, webbing straps, ropes, resistance bands ortubing, handles such as a paddle handles or single handles, broomsticks,snatch grips, sickle grips, t-bones, t-tops, ball joints, foot pedalsand any combination of these devices. Specific examples of theseattachments are found in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G and 7H. Otherknown attachments not specifically described are also useful in theinvention and it should be understood that they are part of thedisclosure provided.

In some embodiments, a heart-rate monitor or other device that measurescalories burned or heart rate may be attached to the user. Such data maybe recorded after the exercise session and stored or provided to theuser. In order to track the progress of the user, a device that measuresthe speed at which the exercises are being performed can be attached tothe user, and such data may be recorded after the exercise session. Datareceived, compiled and/or stored may be used to prepare future workoutsthat are then individually targeted to help the user achieve theirdesired results.

Other computer programs that help a user reach a targeted exercise goalmay also be interfaced with the exercise mechanism so that after theuser uses the exercise mechanism, progress towards their goal may berecoded. In some embodiments, a computer program is used to increaseresistance where it is determined that the user is weak in order toincrease the user's strength and/or endurance.

Example Embodiments

The embodiments described herein are generally directed to an exercisemachine that comprises a rail and a sliding mechanism that is configuredto slide along the rail. Thus, the sliding mechanism can comprisewheels, ball bearings, pulleys, etc., that allow it to be slid back andforth along the rail. The sliding mechanism can also comprise a breakingmechanism that can allow various levels of resistance to the slidingmovement to be incorporated into the exercise routine.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise mechanism in accordance with anembodiment described herein. This exercise mechanism includes cross beam100, contact pedal 101, connecting point 102, sliding mechanism 103,resistance adjusting mechanism 104 and rail 105. The user can thus slidethe sliding mechanism in one direction or the other, or in bothdirections, in performing various exercises. The connecting point 102can be used to attach various extensions and accessories to the slidingmechanism in order to perform various moves and exercises.

For example, in one embodiment a broom handle can be attached viaconnection point 102 and the user can then slide sliding mechanism backand forth using the broom handle. In other embodiments, a short handlecan be attached via connecting point 102 and the user can slide slidingmechanism 103 as if they were sanding or cleaning a floor. Specificexamples of attachments that may be connected at 102 are provided inFIGS. 7A through 7H, although other attachments known in the art canalso used. As can be seen, these attachments can include various typesof handles. In FIG. 7H, an accessory that allows the user to inserttheir feet and move the sliding mechanism 103 using their legs isillustrated.

As noted, the resistance to sliding can be adjusted, e.g., usingresistance adjusting mechanism 104, which allows the user to tailortheir workout and continue to achieve improvement.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of an exercise mechanism in accordance withan embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. This exercisemechanism includes a connecting point 202, resistance adjustingmechanism 201, sliding mechanism 203, movement/breaking system 204, rail205 and cross beam. In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism slides ontop of the rail.

Rail 105 may be made from any suitable material, including but notlimited to medal and wood. The contact pedals 101 may be in direct orindirect contact with the floor or ceiling depending on the user'sdesired exercises. In some embodiments, as described below, the contactpedals are placed inside the ceiling so the rail has direct contact withthe ceiling.

Other rail and sliding mechanism configuration are also possible asillustrated in FIGS. 3-6. FIG. 3 illustrates an exercise mechanism inaccordance with an embodiment described herein. This exercise mechanismincludes cross beam and contact pedals 301, rail 302, connecting point303, sliding mechanism 304, and resistance adjusting mechanism 305.Specific examples of attachments that may be connected at 303 areprovided in FIGS. 7A through 7H, although other attachments known in theart may also be used. Rail 302 may be made from any suitable material,including but not limited to medal and wood. The cross beam and contactpedals 301 may be in direct or indirect contact with the floor orceiling depending on the user's desired exercises. In some embodiments,the cross beam/contact pedals (301) and rail (302) are inside the flooror ceiling so the rail is aligned with the floor or ceiling. In thisembodiment, the exercise mechanism may not include a cross beam and/orcontact pedal.

FIG. 4 provides a front view of an exercise mechanism such as thatillustrated in FIG. 3. This exercise mechanism includes a connectingpoint 402, resistance adjusting mechanism 401, sliding mechanism 404,movement/breaking system 405, rail 403, cross beam 406 and contactpedals 407. In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism slides on theinside of the rail. It should be understood that in various embodimentsthis exercise mechanism may not include contact pedals and/or a crossbeam.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exercise mechanism in accordance with anembodiment described herein. This exercise mechanism includes cross beam501, contact pedals 502, rail 503, connecting point 504, slidingmechanism 506, and resistance adjusting mechanism 505. Specific examplesof attachments that may be connected at 504 are provided in FIGS. 7Athrough 7H, although other attachments known in the art may also beused. Rail 503 may be made from any suitable material, including but notlimited to medal and wood. The cross beam 501 and contact pedals 502 maybe in direct or indirect contact with the floor or ceiling depending onthe user's desired exercises. In some embodiments, 501, 502 and/or 503are inside the floor or ceiling so the top rail is aligned with thefloor or ceiling. In this embodiment, the exercise mechanism may notinclude a cross beam and/or contact pedal.

FIG. 6 provides a front view of an exercise mechanism in accordance withan embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 5. This exercisemechanism includes a connecting point 601, resistance adjustingmechanism 602, sliding mechanism 604, rail 603, cross beam 605 andcontact pedals 606. In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism slides onthe inside of a cylindrical rail. It should be understood that invarious embodiments this exercise mechanism may not include contactpedals and/or a cross beam.

It will be understood that the specific configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1-6 are by way of example only and should not be seen as limitingthe device described herein to any particular configuration or assembly.In this regard, while the embodiments illustrated are depicted as beingpositioned on the floor and used in a manner where the user pushes thesliding mechanism 103 using their arms or legs and while adjusting theresistance thereon, it should be noted that the device can be configuredsuch that it can be used on a track while one is running or sprinting,or even while one is swimming.

For example, the rail 105 can be embedded under a track or path whileleaving a slot in the track for access to the connecting mechanism 102.A rope or tie can then be attached to a runner so that the slidingmechanism can supply resistance while the user is running or walking.For example, the device can be configured to sense when a runner isabout to reach their peak speed and then start applying resistance. Thiswould require some control and automation and as such, in certainembodiments, the device can include a controller, such as amicroprocessor system (not shown) that can be programmed, receive sensorinputs, or both in order to control the application of resistance.

In other embodiments, the rail 105 can be positioned above a runner,either indoors, e.g., by attaching the rail to a ceiling, or outdoorsand used in the same manner. For outdoor use, a mechanism can beconfigured to hold the rail over the track or path and can providegreater portability of the system.

Similarly, the system can be positioned over a pool by attaching it tothe ceiling or some type of support mechanism to allow it to be usedwhile the user is swimming.

The devices described herein can be used for a variety of reasons. Insome embodiments, the devise is used to tone, strengthen, orrehabilitate a wide range of muscles of the lower body (including, butnot limited to the feet, ankles, shins, calves, knees, quadriceps,hamstrings, inner and outer thighs, gluteus, and hips), the upper body(including, but not limited to, the arms, biceps, triceps, andpectorals) and/or the midsection of the body (including, but not limitedto, the rectus abdominis, internal obliques, external obliques andspinal extensors or erector spinae). In various embodiments of theinvention described herein, multiple muscles are toned, strengthened orrehabilitated at the same time.

It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments ofthe invention described herein may be employed in practicing theinvention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope ofthe invention and that methods and structures within the scope of theseclaims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalent of theinvention shown or portion thereof, but it is recognized that variousmodifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.Accordingly, the present invention should be construed to embrace allmodifications, alternatives, and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that fall within the spirit and broad scope of theclaims.

Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varyingways for each particular system, but such implementation decisionsshould not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of theinvention. Although the present invention has been described inconjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that manymodifications, alternatives, and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention should beconstrued to embrace all such modifications, alternatives, andvariations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-functional exercise mechanism comprising:(a) a lateral support structure; (b) a sliding mechanism comprising amovement mechanism configured to allow the sliding mechanism to movealong the lateral support structure; (c) a resistance adjustingmechanism configured to adjust the resistance with which the slidingmechanism can move along the rail; and (d) and a connecting pointconfigured to receive any of a plurality of accessories that are used tocause the sliding mechanism to move along the lateral support structure.2. The exercise mechanism of claim 1, wherein the lateral supportstructure is a rail.
 3. The exercise mechanism of claim 2, wherein therail is built directly into a floor.
 4. The exercise mechanism of claim2, wherein the rail is attached to a ceiling.
 5. The exercise mechanismof claim 3, wherein the sliding mechanism is on the inside of the rail.6. The exercise mechanism of claim 1, wherein the lateral supportstructure comprises a rail connected to a crossbeam.
 7. The exercisemechanism of claim 6, wherein the crossbeam has direct contact with afloor.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the crossbeam is connected toat least one contact pedal and the contact pedal has direct contact witha floor.
 9. The exercise mechanism of claim 1, wherein the lateralsupport structure is a cylinder.
 10. The exercise mechanism of claim 1,wherein the lateral support structure comprises a rail and the slidingmechanism is on the inside of the rail.
 11. The exercise mechanism ofclaim 1, wherein the lateral support structure comprises a rail and thesliding mechanism is on the outside of the rail.
 12. The system of claim1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a breaking system.
 13. Theexercise mechanism of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism compriseswheels and a breaking system.
 14. The exercise mechanism of claim 14,wherein the resistance adjustment mechanism comprises a knob that isused to adjust the resistance.
 15. The exercise mechanism of claim 1,wherein a device capable of twisting, pushing, pulling, flexing, orextending is directly or indirectly attached to the connecting point.16. The exercise mechanism of claim 15, wherein the device capable oftwisting, pushing, pulling, flexing, or extending is directly attachedto the connecting point.
 17. The exercise mechanism of claim 15, whereinthe device capable of twisting, pushing, pulling, flexing, or extendingis indirectly attached to the connecting point.
 18. The exercisemechanism of claim 15, wherein the device attached to the connectingpoint comprises a broomstick, sickle grip, rope, t-bone, t-top, paddlehandle, single handle, ball joint or foot pedals.